How to set up a boat for fishing

Robert Thornton

When you stick with this sport for long enough, you eventually start thinking about boats. Buying a boat is the logical next step for any angler looking to broaden their horizons, however once the decision to buy is made, comes the overwhelming task of choosing the right one and then setting it up.

In a previous blog we looked at the transition from bank to boat fishing. In this blog, we’ll be discussing the things to consider when choosing your first boat, and how to set up a boat for fishing.

BUYING A BOAT

Before you buy you should ask yourself a few simple questions.

Firstly, why do I need a boat? It’s important to have a clear idea of what fishing from a boat can add to your life, as this will help in justifying the purchase not only to yourself, but also to others with whom you might share a house, bank account or living space.

Secondly, can I afford the cost of maintenance? Boats and trailers can often become money sinks, especially when used in saltwater, but this problem is always made worse if general maintenance isn’t kept up. To avoid major issues, it’s important to get engines serviced, wash everything down thoroughly after saltwater use, keep bearings greased, change out old trailer rollers and winch cable, and so on. Make sure you have a general idea of the time and money you’ll need to put in over time.

Lastly, where will I keep it? It seems like common sense to have somewhere covered and preferably lockable to keep your boat, but it’s amazing how often I see boats on trailers sitting out in the street. Leaving your prized boat to the mercy of the elements and potential thievery is a gamble some anglers unfortunately have to take, but if you can, set aside a space that offers both cover and security.

A trailer lock is a great investment in any case, but even more so if you have no option but to keep it on the street.

THE RIGHT BOAT FOR ME

The next step is choosing a boat to suit your fishing needs. With so many different boats out there on the new and second-hand market, sorting through it all can be quite daunting. 

Bear in mind that it’s impossible for one boat to do everything, and boat purchases are often made with compromises. When you buy, it’s important to know the limits of whatever boat you choose, and to accept that there will simply be places your boat can’t go, and things it can’t do.

For example, a 3m paddle kayak may suit someone with a small budget who likes to fish in suburban lakes, small creeks and estuaries. While that kayak is the perfect craft for stealthily creeping along in small waters, it would be dangerous to fish with it in a large northern estuary with strong currents and crocodiles present, or anywhere offshore. Similarly, a 6m aluminium plate boat is ideal for these relatively dangerous environments but would be far too cumbersome for the smaller, sheltered waters where the kayak excels.

Once you know what your boat won’t be doing, the next obvious step is to consider what it will be doing. Think about the type of exploring you’ll be doing most often in your new boat, i.e. will you be motoring through the local estuary, camping at a lake, doing big road trips up north, fishing the bass and bream tournament circuit? Once you’ve identified what the boat will be used for most of the time, it then becomes much easier to choose the right one.

Another thing to consider is launching. Some boats and some trailers make it difficult for one person to launch and/or retrieve, so if you’re mostly a solo fisher, make sure you can safely and comfortably launch and retrieve the boat on your own.

SETTING UP

Once you’ve got your boat home, it’s now time to set it up for fishing! Bear in mind that what we’re about to go through doesn’t need to be DIY, and there are many businesses that specialise in custom fit outs and boat modifications if you’re not confident doing it yourself.

For this section, we’ll look at a few basic set up options, and the things to consider when putting it all together.

Family cruisin’

If your fishing boat is mostly going to be used for trips with family and friends, sometimes with non-fishers and young children aboard, things like comfort and shade will be your priority.       

Seats that can be mounted and unmounted are ideal, and when you need more room in the cockpit, you just take them out. Another way to provide comfortable but portable seating is with a padded icebox, which doubles as somewhere to keep fish, food or cold drinks. For boats with casting decks or bench seating, a simple cushion pad (available at most department stores) can turn it into a comfortable seat. To stop cushion pads flying out of the boat you can stick Velcro tabs to the bottom, which will stick to marine carpet.

A shade option is important when you’re just out relaxing, but it can get in the way when it’s time to fish. The cheapest way to erect some shade is with an umbrella, and this is popular in small tinnies. Adults can hold umbrella’s while pets, babies and children relax, and when it’s time to move, they can be stowed in the cockpit or under the gunnels.

For a more permanent shade option, a bimini or other foldable cover is great to have for those family trips. Once again, it can be easily stowed when underway or when doing some serious fishing. Biminis can even be dismounted completely if necessary.

In this sort of boat – where fishing is a secondary concern – anglers may find boat bagsuseful. These will keep a good selection of gear, including tackle boxes, spares and accessories all together, and can be lifted in and out of the boat as needed, rather than living in the boat.

Serious fisher/adventurer

The mad keen sport fishers and explorers will have a different set of priorities with their first boat.

The first main thing for you is storage, as if there’s one thing series anglers have in common, it’s that they like to have as much tackle as they can comfortably carry with them whenever they go fishing. For this reason, underdeck storage for tackle boxes, spare terminals, tools and other accessories is invaluable. In larger fishing boats, underdeck rod lockers help keep the cockpit and deck area even more clear from clutter, minimising accidents and loss of gear.

Lots of storge space is also useful for longer trips, especially when carrying camping gear as well. Any camping gear that doesn’t fit under the deck or console can be transported above deck – just make sure things like swags, sleeping bags and tents are tied down!

Insulated fish bags are perfect for anglers who keep the odd fish for a feed but usually like to keep the working space clear. Fish bags can be folded and stowed when not in use, so they’re great alternatives to cumbersome ice boxes.

If the boat didn’t come with a bow-mount electric motor, or trolling motor, they’re well worth getting. Trolling motors are a gamechanger for not just the avid lure casters, but any angler. We all know how useful modern electric motors are for those standing on the front deck of the boat, casting lures and actively hunting fish. What’s forgotten is that with the electric anchor features you can simply push a button, and the ‘leccy will hold you in place – perfect for soaking a bait or two, or even just relaxing! It’s worth remembering that although these electric motors negate the need for heavy and noisy anchors, by law you will still need to carry an appropriate anchor for your boat.

It’s a similar story with sonars: if the boat didn’t come with one, you should consider buying one. Even simple units showing depth and temperature can make a world of difference, let alone the high-tech sounders showing fish reacting to lures in real time.

Ocean warrior

Storage space is once again the name of the game. This time though, it’s not just for tackle, but also for extra safety equipment like EPIRBs, flares, fire extinguishers, lifejackets and extra fuel.

Padded ice boxes come in handy once again, given that most offshore trips are as much about harvesting as they are about fishing. The ice box doubles as a seat and brace point.

Speaking of brace points, you really want a few of these on an offshore fishing boat. Padded areas for the knees around the gunnel, rails for grabbing, soft spots on the console to lean against, are all examples of brace points. These things are even more important considerations in smaller offshore boats and in rough conditions.

BOAT BEGINNINGS

Buying your first boat should be a worthwhile investment, and by carefully considering what you want from a boat, as well as the limits of both you and the boat you want, you’ll be better equipped to make the right decision.

Good luck on your search and happy boating!